Hot Pick: Out Today

Ingrid Michaelson : Human Again

Etta James dies

Award-winning singer Etta James died today from complications of leukemia.  She was 73.

Best of 2011

BEST ALBUMS OF THE YEAR:
~ in alphabetical order, by artist ~
Bon Iver - Bon Iver (at right); Coldplay - Mylo Xyloto; Florence + the Machine - Ceremonials; Mat Kearney - Young Love; Mute Math - Odd Soul

BEST CONCERT: The Civil Wars, The Belcourt Theatre, Nashville, Tenn., Feb. 2

MOST MISSED CONCERT:
Adele, Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, Tenn., June 20 (rescheduled) and Oct. 10 (cancelled)

MOST MISSED: Amy Winehouse

BEST ALBUM ARTWORK/DESIGN: ~ four-way tie ~
Adele - 21; The Civil Wars - Barton Hollow; Mat Kearney - Young Love; Over the Rhine - The Long Surrender

Melody with Mandy

Tomorrow night's Mandy Barnett show will serve as my first concert of the year.